Queen Maxima appointed regent and to take royal responsibilities if husband Willem-Alexander passes away

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has been appointed the country’s regent by the Dutch Senate and the House of Representatives.

The new legislation means that the Argentine-born blonde will be able to observe royal duties if her husband King Willem-Alexander passes away while the heir – their eldest daughter Amalia – is still under age.

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Queen Maxima would then remain in the position until her daughter, who turns ten on 7 December, comes of age and is able to take on the royal duties herself.

The regency of Queen Maxima was officially established on Tuesday when the Dutch Senate and the House of Representatives approved three bills.

Willem-Alexander became king in April this year, with Maxima by his side and taking the title of queen consort.

The inauguration came after Queen Beatrix stepped down from the throne and her role as head of the House of Orange after more than three decades.

Since becoming King and Queen, Willem-Alexander and Maxima have already faced some highs and lows.

Shortly after the country’s grand celebrations and warm welcome, the royal couple attended a memorial for Dutch soldiers lost during World War II alongside Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

More sad news came in August when Willem-Alexander’s brother Prince Friso passed away after being in a coma for almost a year and a half.

The Dutch royal, 44, was in a skiing accident in February 2012 that left him with severe brain damage and caused him to fall into a coma. He had been cared for in London until being transferred back to the Netherlands the month prior to his death.

However, joy returned for Prince’s Day in September, which was the first for the couple as King and Queen.